Halos starter Joe Blanton gets into a Royal mess, remains winless this season

L.A. Daily News | May 14

No matter the plight of the Angels after a break-even trip, they arrived back in Anaheim with at least some pieces of encouragement.

Balls were beginning to jump off Mark Trumbo's bat. Mike Trout has heated up. The bullpen pitched a shutout during the trip. A nine-game homestand loomed.

And starter Joe Blanton had a career ERA of 1.76 against Kansas City, not to mention the fact he was coming off three quality starts.

Back to the drawing board. Blanton gave up seven runs and 12 hits in less than five innings as the Royals battered the Angels for an 11-4 victory Monday night at Angel Stadium.

"It was one of those weird games," Blanton said.

"I felt like I had good stuff and when they made contact, it was in a hole There's nothing you could do about that.

"There were a couple innings where I was one pitch from getting out of it, a couple two-out hits that cost me three, four of those runs. Sometimes that's how it goes."

Five of the first six runs Blanton allowed came with two outs.

"Joe had a rough outing to say the least," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He just missed spots and I think when you're missing spots, innings are going to continue. He had a couple opportunities to minimize the damage and couldn't get out of it."